Transfer case - bang when not under load

[Vairpilot]

Hi All,

Have my first Explorer here, but certainly not my first Ford. It is a 2001 Explorer Sport 4WD. Bought it back in the fall, previous owner said no issues with 4WD. This winter the few times I needed it the entire vehicle would randomly shudder and bang in 4WD (hi or lo), seemed to get worse the longer you tried using 4WD. The only time it wouldn't do it was under load, such as going uphill. Fluid level is up to the fill hole on the transfer case. Any pointers? I'm quite comfortable doing my own work, so no worries there.

Thank you in advance!

Don

 

[my98nnj]

You can only use 4wd on slippery roadways. If the truck has good traction, when you turn in 4wd the driveline will bind up and make all sorts of nasty noises.

Is that what happened?

 

[Vairpilot]

I know, I'm talking about driving on slippery snowy roads and ice, not on dry pavement. The faster you go the worse it gets, get over 35 and you'd think the thing was going to fly to pieces it would bang so hard.

You can only use 4wd on slippery roadways. If the truck has good traction, when you turn in 4wd the driveline will bind up pizza make all sorts of nasty noises.

Is that what happened?